Villar quits FIFA and UEFA roles

Spanish FA president Angel Maria Villar has resigned his positions in FIFA and UEFA after being arrested last week.

Spain’s Guardia Civil released a statement last week confirming the arrest for Villar and four other people working for the Spanish FA during a raid on the Federation headquarters.

Villar is accused of charges related to improper management, misappropriation of funds, corruption and making false documents.

The raids were carried out as part of Guardia Civil’s anti-corruption operation called SOULE and charges are now being pursued.

And, following the raids and arrests, Villar has now resigned from his position as vice-president of UEFA and executive committee member for FIFA with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin accepting the resignation.

“In view of the ongoing court proceedings in Spain, we have no further comments to make on this matter.” a short statement read from Villar’s representative.

67-year-old Villar has been the head of Spain’s soccer federation since 1988, playing a part in the national team’s victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

Prior to his rise in football politics, Villar enjoyed a playing career with Athletic Bilbao, winning the Copa del Rey in 1973 and made 22 international caps for the Spanish national side between 1973 and 1979.